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National Justice Summit 2024: FG, International IDEA, others call For Reforms in judicial appointment processes
National Justice Summit 2024: FG, International IDEA, others call For Reforms in judicial appointment processes
•Summit seeks reduction of CJN’s powers
By: Michael Mike
Federal Ministry of Justice, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), and other stakeholders in the nation’s judiciary have made far reaching recommendations that will address the issues of judicial appointment process, funding and eradicating delays in the administration of justice in Nigeria, at the just concluded two-day National Summit on Justice 2024.
The event was organised by the Federal Government in collaboration with the European Union funded RoLAC II Programme of the International IDEA.
In a communique issued at the end of the summit at the weekend, it was noted that the National Policy on Justice 2024 to 2028, will now serve as a roadmap, paving the way for a more efficient, equitable and responsive justice system for all Nigerians.
Chairman, Joint Planning Committee of the Justice Summit, Dr Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, who read the communique, said the summit had three technical sessions.
Ajibade stated that the general consensus reached at the summit was that the role of the National Judicial Council in discharging its responsibility for judicial appointments into the Superior Court of record required significant review.
The stakeholders expressed concern about the fact that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who is the chairman of the NJC is also the chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, the body that initially reviews proposals or lists of candidates by appointment into judicial office.
The summit pointed out the seeming inconsistency between the CJN playing both roles, as it would appear that he is recommending candidates to himself being chairman of both bodies, and being the person who appoints a significant number of the members of both bodies other than those who are statutory members.
There’s a general consensus by the summit on the need to reconstitute or propose reconstitution of both the NJC and the FJSC.
On the role of the State Judicial Service Commission in judicial appointmens, the summit concluded that there was a significant need to ensure that composition of the SJSC is more diverse, that it reflects the interests of the users of the justice sector.
Stakeholders noted the fact that the current NJC guidelines may have subverted the intent of the constitutional provision, empowering the SJSC to make judicial appointments, because the NJC guidelines, rather than authorising the SJSC to prepare a shortlist of potential candidates for judicial appointments, appear to address that responsibility solely in the Chairman (Chief Judges of States).
The summit therefore called for an amendment of the aspect of the NJC guidelines to make clear that the development or preparation of shortlist of candidates for judicial appointments is something that is to be done by the Commissions as a whole and not just by the Chief Judges.
On the general approach that ought to be taken to reforming the judicial appointments process, the summit stressed that focus should be on increased transparency in the appointment process, meritocracy and on meaningful performance evaluations of those who seek judicial office.
Also, it was recommended that Nigeria should consider the model that is currently being used in Kenya.
There was a consensus on the need to codify the judicial appointments process, such that the discretion that is currently witnessed in the appointments process is reduced to the barest minimum.
On funding, budgeting and administration for the judiciary, the summit resolved
that the current process for funding the courts was totally deficient as it was evident that the provisions of the Constitution as amended by the Fifth Amendment, authorising that funding for the State courts should be a joint effort carried out by the executive and the judiciary was not being implemented in any shape or form in the majority of the states.
Clear recommendations were made that this was something that needed to be pursued and dealt with decisively, as the summit stated that funding of the judiciary at the federal level is much better than what obtains in the States of the Federation.
More so, the summit observed the need to professionalise the administration of the courts, as well as to appoint persons with clear administrative experience to be selected through a transparent process to administer the courts, and to separate the administration of the courts from the administration of justice.
On eradicating delays in the administration of justice agenda for leveraging the rules of procedure and effective case management in Nigeria, the panel considered the importance of limiting the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, and ensuring that matters that would go to the Supreme Court would only be matters of significant national importance.
The summit held that before a matter goes to apex court, it would only be by the leave of the Supreme Court, and that the automatic right of appeal to the will be severely curtailed and will be limited only to matters relating to the office and the election into the office of the president of the federation, Vice President and, and Governors of the States.
National Justice Summit 2024: FG, International IDEA, others call For Reforms in judicial appointment processes
FG Targets Cross-Border Mobile Connectivity to Boost Security, Cut Internet Costs
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to expand Nigeria’s mobile and digital connectivity beyond its borders as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security and lower the cost of internet services across the region.
The initiative was disclosed on Monday during the second edition of the Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 held in Abuja and organised by Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the Federal Government plans to extend Nigeria’s fibre-optic network into neighbouring countries as part of efforts to modernise digital infrastructure and tackle security challenges.
According to him, the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is investing in about ninety thousand kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure that will connect Nigeria with neighbouring countries including Cameroon, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad.
Tijani explained that the regional connectivity project would help reduce the cost of internet capacity in neighbouring countries, where the price of connectivity is significantly higher than in Nigeria.
He noted that while the project would improve digital access and affordability, it would also support national security operations along the country’s borders.
“This fibre network will also provide opportunities for the military because it will run across our borders, which means we will have stronger capabilities for fibre sensing and surveillance,” the minister said.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic advantage as the only country in West Africa operating its own communications satellite through Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, noting that the platform plays a critical role in providing connectivity to remote and underserved communities.
According to Tijani, satellite infrastructure supports sectors such as agriculture, education, business and security, especially in areas where terrestrial networks are limited.
He commended President Tinubu for approving the acquisition of additional satellites, describing the move as a strong demonstration of the government’s commitment to building future-ready digital infrastructure.
The minister added that investments in infrastructure must be accompanied by practical applications capable of driving real development outcomes.
“Satellite technology is a powerful enabler, particularly in the area of security,” he said.
In her welcome remarks, the Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, said the event reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to harnessing space technology for national development.
She highlighted initiatives such as Project 774, which aims to provide satellite-enabled connectivity to all local government areas in Nigeria, ensuring that rural and underserved communities are not left behind in the country’s digital transformation.
Egerton-Idehen also noted that the agency is strengthening its global partnerships, including collaborations with Eutelsat and the Kenya Space Agency, while Nigeria currently serves as Vice Chair of the Global Satellite Operators Association.
She explained that the role allows Nigeria to participate actively in shaping international satellite policy and spectrum management discussions.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, emphasised the importance of satellite technology in strengthening communication systems and supporting critical services.
According to him, satellite infrastructure has become vital for communication, emergency response, education, security and broader technological advancement.
The Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and innovators to explore opportunities within the satellite and digital infrastructure ecosystem.
Participants say the event provides a platform for collaboration aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading force in Africa’s rapidly expanding digital and satellite economy.
FG Targets Cross-Border Mobile Connectivity to Boost Security, Cut Internet Costs
VP Shettima Visits El-Rufai, Consoles Ex-Kaduna Gov Over Mother’s Demise
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has commiserated with former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother, late Hajiya Fatima Umma.
The Vice President who paid the El-Rufai family at their Abuja residence called for collective effort in uniting the nation aside political differences.
Senator Shettima prayed for the repose of the soul of the late matriarch of the El-Rufai family.
The late Hajiya Fatima Umma El-Rufai passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026 in Cairo, Egypt, at the age of 96.
The Vice President was received by former Governor of Bauchi State, Ahmad Adamu Muazu; former Chief of Army Staff, General Abdurrahman Dambazau; Abdullahi Sarkin Gobir Adiya, and the member Representing Kaduna North, Bello El-Rufai, Bashir El-Rufai.
VP Shettima Visits El-Rufai, Consoles Ex-Kaduna Gov Over Mother’s Demise
Stakeholders Push for Scaled-Up Energy Efficiency in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector
By: Michael Mike
Stakeholders from government, the organised private sector, development agencies, and civil society have called for stronger collaboration and expanded financing to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient and cleaner production practices in Nigeria’s industrial sector.
The call was made on Monday during a special project-specific interactive session and Efficiency Champions Competition organised under the Global Environment Facility and United Nations Industrial Development Organization Industrial Energy Efficiency and Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production project in Abuja.
The event brought together representatives of industries, non-governmental organisations, financial institutions, policy makers, and members of the media to review the progress of the initiative and explore opportunities for expanding sustainable industrial practices across the country.
Speakers at the session emphasised that improving energy efficiency and reducing waste in industrial operations are essential for lowering production costs, boosting competitiveness and promoting environmentally responsible manufacturing.
Opening the session, the project leadership said the initiative had recorded significant progress in promoting industrial energy efficiency and resource-efficient production methods within Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
According to the National Project Coordinator, GEF-UNIDO IEE and RECP Project, Jacob Oladipo revealed that the project has supported capacity building programmes, cleaner production assessments, policy engagement and innovative financing mechanisms designed to help industries reduce energy consumption while improving productivity.
He explained that the project had demonstrated that sustainable industrial practices are not only environmentally responsible but also economically beneficial to businesses.
The session also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review the outcomes of the project and identify lessons that could support the wider adoption of energy-efficient technologies and cleaner production systems across industries.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Mr. Kunle Fadare said the initiative was both timely and strategic for Nigeria’s industrial growth.
He noted that the industrial sector accounts for more than thirty per cent of the country’s total energy consumption but still operates far below optimal efficiency levels.
Fadare said studies have shown that improvements in energy efficiency within Nigerian industries could lead to savings of between twenty and forty per cent in energy use.
He added that such gains would translate into reduced production costs, improved competitiveness and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
He also highlighted the environmental implications of industrial waste, noting that Nigeria generates more than thirty-two million tonnes of solid waste annually, a significant portion of which originates from industrial activities.
According to him, adopting resource-efficient and cleaner production practices would not only reduce waste but also strengthen long-term business sustainability.
Fadare further praised the Efficiency Champions Competition, describing it as an important platform for recognising businesses that are taking concrete steps toward sustainable production.
He said the initiative would help showcase best practices and encourage other companies to adopt energy-efficient technologies.
Global trends, he added, show that markets increasingly favour environmentally responsible production systems, particularly as access to international markets becomes tied to sustainability and environmental compliance.
He therefore urged Nigerian businesses to proactively embrace energy efficiency and cleaner production practices to remain competitive in regional and global markets.
Also speaking, the Global Environment Facility desk officer commended the collaboration among stakeholders involved in implementing the project.
The official expressed appreciation to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization for providing technical guidance and to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria for supporting the implementation of the initiative.
The desk officer also acknowledged the role played by various government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, in advancing the project’s objectives.
According to the official, the interactive session was designed to allow stakeholders to examine emerging issues related to energy use in industries, share experiences, address challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.
The official stressed that sustainable economic growth requires strong collaboration among government, industry, development partners and civil society.
Participants were therefore encouraged to actively contribute ideas and insights that could help strengthen the implementation of energy-efficient industrial practices in Nigeria.
Representatives of the organised private sector also highlighted the need to scale up financing mechanisms that support industries seeking to adopt energy-efficient technologies.
They noted that while progress had been made through innovative financing models and technical support programmes, wider adoption would require increased investment, stronger policy support and continued capacity building for industries, particularly small and medium enterprises.
Stakeholders agreed that the engagement of the organised private sector, non-governmental organisations and the media would be critical in sustaining the momentum generated by the project.
They emphasised that awareness creation, knowledge sharing and policy advocacy would play key roles in expanding the adoption of energy-efficient and cleaner production practices across Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
Participants expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would help accelerate the transition toward a more efficient, competitive and environmentally sustainable industrial sector in Nigeria.
Stakeholders Push for Scaled-Up Energy Efficiency in Nigeria’s Industrial Sector
FG Targets Cross-Border Mobile Connectivity to Boost Security, Cut Internet Costs
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP member while attempting to infiltrate Maiduguri
VP Shettima Visits El-Rufai, Consoles Ex-Kaduna Gov Over Mother’s Demise
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